I’ve seen quite a few Foodie Secret Santa 2014 posts going up but the rule was to post photos of ALL three packages and I got the last one today. The Secret Santa foodie gift swap is the brainchild of Claire from Clairekcreations.com, a great blogger and even better blogging friend.

I’m no different than anyone else at this time of year, Christmas is always a big surprise when I look at the calendar and say out loud, “It’s Christmas already??” I’m never ready. I always think I have more time and then I have to hurry.

I made some gingerbread men that John’s dad and the other oldies at the nursing home loved so much, I decided that I’d send those. I didn’t think about the heat and high humidity we were experiencing. The cookies were nice and crispy when I decorated them. I packaged them up and headed to the post office.

When I got home I ate one and it was already soggy with bendy arms and legs. My heart sank because I knew that’s how they’d arrive. My apologies to the three bloggers. Next year it’s chutney.

Speaking of chutney. My first secret santa gift was from Charlie Louie at Hotly Spiced and the box arrived quite soggy. I thought the box had been caught in a rain storm. No. The gorgeous homemade cranberry sauce leaked. We ate it right away and it was delicious. The other jar is going to be happily consumed at Christmas lunch.

My second secret santa was from someone I don’t know. It was supposed to be a secret and she kept it. I did too. I’ll know better next year. I received two large bags of pecan ball cookies that didn’t weather the trip very well. I did say it was really hot and humid. John’s dad didn’t know they were for me and ate the ones that were whole.

My final package arrived today and it was a beautiful box from Louise Rhodes from Willunga Wino with 4 lovely dark chocolate shortbread wreaths. The package got here just in time for dessert with the oldies from the nursing home.

Thank you to all three bloggers for making the Foodie Secret Santa 2014 another fun event.